RoadVitals

2016 MINI Clubman

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
18
Latest Apr 12, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Sep 17, 2017
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
2

Overview

Our database contains 18 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 MINI Clubman, most frequently naming the brakes, exterior lighting and electrical categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 23 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes417.4%
  • Exterior lighting417.4%
  • Electrical417.4%
  • Engine417.4%
  • Tires & wheels28.7%
  • Fuel system14.3%
  • Body & structure14.3%
  • Airbags14.3%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

TRAILER HITCHES

Sep 17, 2017
166 units potentially affected
The defect: Curt Manufacturing LLC (Curt) is recalling certain Class 1 trailer hitches, part number 11451, sold for installation on 2016-2018 Mini Cooper Clubman and Countryman vehicles. The vehicles may have inadequate structure points for the trailer hitch mounting, causing the hitch to sag under to certain loads and possibly separate from the vehicle.
The risk: If the trailer hitch sags or separates from the vehicle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
The remedy: Curt will notify owners, and dealers will provide a replacement hitch, free of charge. The recall began on October 20, 2017. Owners may contact Curt customer service at 1-800-798-0813.
Curt Manufacturing LLCView on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Jul 25, 2016
7,810 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 MINI Clubman vehicles manufactured August 19, 2015, through July 14, 2016. The side curtain air bags for the front seat occupants may deploy in the intended positions in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
The risk: If a side curtain air bag does not inflate as intended in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the front seat occupants.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the driver and passenger side curtain air bag covers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 12, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

BrakesExterior lighting
Filed Apr 12, 2026

REAR BUMPER BRAKE & TAIL LIGHTS OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. UNINSTALLING AND REINSTALLING BUMPER LIGHT ASSEMBLY AND BULBS MAY TEMPORARILY SOLVE THE ISSUE. LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS UNDAMAGED AND WIRING HARNESS CONNECTOR IS CLEAN. POWER AND GROUND ARE TESTED OK. VEHICLE HAS 50,000 MILES AND IS PARKED IN A COVERED AREA. NEVER DRIVEN IN SNOW OR SALTED ROADS.

NHTSA ID
11730718
Incident
Feb 10, 2026
Engine
Filed Apr 2, 2026

I have 2016 Mini Clubman S with 109,000 miles on it , I got a check engine light with a Code U019D. I went to dealer to check and was told the radiator would need to be replaced at a cost of $ 3,700 dollars. After researching it is a common issue due to defect in materials, there was an extended warranty offered by bmw up 15 years or 150,000 miles to cover this defect. I was told that since I am in Florida it doesn't cover it and I believe this is wrong. If there is defect in materials and it is covered for some, why not all. Th ecompany has already stated it is a defect in materials, see below. SIM 13 01 19 Lin Bus Communication Fault for Enviromental Air Catalyst (EAC)Sensor FC1B8302. It States that the chemical compositon of the fan shroud contaminates the EAC sensor. Since this is a know defect from manufacturer I believe they should be replacing the defective material under warranty terms .

NHTSA ID
11728925
Incident
Mar 30, 2026
Tires & wheels
Filed Nov 7, 2025
Crash reported

I purchased a Septor 4xs tire from Walmart in cypress Texas, I had a tire blowout 1 hour later at a high rate of speed. the Auto manager Santiago Quevedo at Walmart stated this is a well-known defect with this tire and had another blow out with this tire.

NHTSA ID
11698139
Incident
Sep 1, 2025
Brakes
Filed Apr 26, 2025

On January 7, 2025, the vehicle started to suddenly brake and pull to the right side of the road when going above 40 mph for less than 2 seconds, and then I regained control. When on the left lane of the highway, the sudden movement was so pronounced that it made the car invade the right lane. This happened over 10 times on a single trip. Since this happened, the vehicle was stopped, and the front suspension was inspected. There was a front ball joint damaged. It was replaced, thinking this was the problem. The vehicle was used for the following months. However, when driving it on the highway, it kept doing the same thing. On April 15, 2025 the vehicle was being driven at about 25 mph when the rear left brake suddenly locked up without any brake, traction control, or ABS warning lights. The vehicle was towed home. When trying to move the vehicle, it was noticed that the front right and rear left brake calipers were locked up. Still no warning lights.

NHTSA ID
11657005
Incident
Jan 7, 2025
Filed Feb 6, 2025

Transmission not reporting vehicle in park. Taken to mechanic and ran diagnostics. They said this is a safety issue. Needs shifter repair.

NHTSA ID
11641107
Incident
Feb 6, 2025
Seat belts
Filed Jan 30, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Mini Cooper S Clubman. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that the driver's seat belt was inoperable. The contact stated that the seat belt failed to function properly, and the seat belt assembly failed to latch securely. An independent mechanic arrived at the residence and diagnosed the vehicle. The contact was informed that the seat belt assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA ID
11639646
Incident
Jan 30, 2025
Mileage
70,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Dec 2, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the left and right turn signals were inoperable. The contact was made aware by another driver that four out of the five rear brake lights were inoperable. The right and left turn signal malfunction and the rear brake light warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the place of residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID
11628285
Incident
Nov 11, 2024
Mileage
110,000 mi
Engine
Filed May 21, 2024

I am writing to formally express my concerns regarding a 2016 Mini Cooper Clubman S that I purchased in August of the previous year, with 64,000 miles on the odometer. Within just two months of ownership, the vehicle began to exhibit serious mechanical failures. Initially, the water pump failed and had to be replaced. Shortly thereafter, the air conditioning system on the left side malfunctioned. Most alarmingly, the engine suddenly stopped and began to overheat while on the road, necessitating an emergency stop at a nearby mechanic's workshop. The diagnosis revealed a catastrophic engine block failure, with a crack that caused the antifreeze, oil, and possibly fuel to mix—an issue that could potentially lead to a vehicle fire. This vehicle is primarily driven by my wife, who frequently transports our [XXX] son, who is [XXX]. The potential risks had this occurred on a highway are unimaginable and could have led to fatal consequences. Upon discovering these issues, I immediately contacted Mini to inform them of the defect and requested a comprehensive diagnostic examination. I emphasized the possibility that this could be a production line issue, which might affect other vehicles and thereby pose a significant risk to other families. Regrettably, the response I received was dismissive; I was informed that nothing could be done, and my request for a vehicle inspection was outright denied. Given the severity of these issues and the potential risk to human life, I urge your immediate intervention. It is imperative that this matter be revisited and that a thorough investigation into this potential production defect be conducted. Ensuring the safety of all consumers must be a priority, and I respectfully request that my vehicle be inspected at the earliest to prevent any potential future tragedies. Please advise on how we might proceed in this matter. I look forward to your prompt response. Yours sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11589969
Incident
May 7, 2024

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

M010424

POWER TRAIN

The automatic transmission limited warranty for the vehicle Selector Lever Magnetic Shift Interlock Mechanism (Gearshift lug assembly portion) has been extended to 10 years/120,000 miles, as determined by the vehicle’s original in-service date, when a gearshift lug repair kit installation procedure is required to be performed to address a displayed Check Control message (CCM) that states P not engaged - secure vehicle with parking brake against rolling away.

M010424

POWER TRAIN

For the eligible vehicles listed above, the limited warranty for the vehicle’s Selector Lever Magnetic Shift Interlock Mechanism (Gearshift lug assembly portion) has been extended to: 10 years/120,000 miles as determined by the vehicle’s original in-service date, When a gearshift lug repair kit (item # 2) installation procedure is required to be performed to address a displayed Check Control message (CCM) that states: "P not engaged - secure vehicle with parking brake against rolling away."

M640116

STRUCTURE

Customer complains of a musty odor or damp front footwell carpet.

M511616

STRUCTURE

Cavity protection applied to underside of the hood is leaking out onto the wheel arch trim and grille.

M610607

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MINI electrical systems have continued to develop over the past few years. As a result, the demand on the batteries has increased. Breakdowns due to an empty battery or problems in the vehicles electrical system can have various causes, most of which are not due to the battery itself. For this reason, a battery replacement will permanently eliminate the problem only in the rarest of cases. The energy diagnosis test module helps to localize these causes. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of a discharged battery cannot be identified. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time, it is very important that the diagnostic test plan is performed to completion; with all results taken into consideration.

M160119

ENGINE

ENGINE STALLS AFTER STARTING OR WILL NOT START. The engine stalls right after starting (when stationary).

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

MINI Clubman by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2024100
2023000
2022200
2021000
2020000
2019610
2018110
2017233059.3
2016Viewing182057.8
2015100
2014500
2013130035.4
2012100037.2

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.